Recent Marijuana Legislation & Laws That are Changing the Playing Field

According to ArcView Market Research, in 2015, legal cannabis in the U.S. hit $5.4 billion. Analysts estimate that infused products and edibles make up at least 50% of the total ($5.4 billion). Marijuana infused-edibles are now available in nearly every form. They range from chocolate bars to gummy snacks, and often have potent amounts of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)—the cannabis psychoactive ingredient.

Compared to smoked marijuana, users experience significantly delayed reactions after consuming cannabis-infused edibles. The marijuana industry, and in particular edibles, is currently undergoing rapid changes with new legislations and laws triggering drastic changes in the playing field.

Nevada Implements Marijuana Edibles 'Emergency Law'

Recently, Brian Sandoval, the Nevada Governor endorsed an emergency statement by the Department of Taxation that allows this regulatory agency to regulate marijuana edible products more strictly. While many agree that the emergency regulations have become a costly inconvenience for many of Nevada’s dispensaries, the goal is to keep pot away from being accessed by Nevada's youth.

Marijuana dispensaries in Nevada will now have to do away with certain edible products due to this new regulation. They can still sell some of their products to registered medical marijuana cardholders, but many became illegal after 1st July 2017. Items that qualify under the medical marijuana category are now being discounted steeply across the State.

Safer Pot Edibles Now Available in Washington

Governor Jay Inslee of Washington has signed a new bill that now places pot-infused foods under the same standards that other manufactured foods is subjected to in the state. The new change in Washington’s marijuana laws means safer edibles and the provision of optional lock boxes by shops dealing with edibles. State health inspectors currently lack authority over producers of marijuana.

Governor Inslee also signed another bill that seeks to keep pot products from the hands of children as well as keeping pets away from pot products. The new rules in Washington come into effect this summer.

New Law Would Make Some Edibles Illegal in California

In California, cannabis-infused gummy bears are in danger of being banned after the state assembly passed a bill that seeks to ban some shapes from being used in making candy. These include the shape of a fruit, an animal, a person, insect, or any other shape typically associated with candy.

Specifically, Prop 64 of the new law prohibits marijuana-infused products designed to appeal to children or which can easily be confused with commercially sold standard foods or candy that don’t contain marijuana ingredients.

Pot Shops in Vancouver Island Ordered to Stop Selling Edible Products

Island Health has ordered marijuana dispensaries in Victoria to halt the making and selling of cannabis-infused food products following a public complaint about a particular business. Gorge Medijuana Dispensary was inspected by Island Health officials on March 14 after a complaint was submitted about its cannabis food products and sanitation.

Although Medijuana became the first dispensary to get notified about the new rule, it will be enforced across Vancouver Island.

Conclusion

For lots of medical patients, cannabis-infused edibles are the favored method for consuming or ingesting the herb. It is also the preferred method for those who are not comfortable with smoking the herb. While the intoxication or effects may take longer to occur, the sensation that comes with edibles lasts much longer.

For patients who are battling chronic pain and other types of longer-lasting ailments, cannabis edibles are more effective compared to smoked marijuana, and it comes as no big wonder that states across the US are scrambling to enact appropriate legislation.